The region has a Humid continental climate - cool summer subtype (Koppen classification Dfc).

This climate is characterized by high variation in temperature, both daily and seasonally; with long, cold winters and short, cool summers with no averaging over 22 °C (72 °F).

[3] The ecoregion is the southernmost large expanse of Arctic tundra floral community in the world (51-60 degrees N).

The area is notable for "azonal" floral communities - habitats that form around hot springs, volcanic activity, and mountain lakes.

Erman's birch (Betula ermanii) forms a zonal vegetation belt at 600–800 m in the mountains; above which are alpine grasses and tundra floral groups.